Comparison

ToS;DR vs Startpage

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ToS;DR

This app helps you understand the privacy policies of websites you visit. It provides instant privacy ratings and allows you to search for service terms, empowering you to take back control of your privacy.

Highlights
  • Instant privacy ratings for websites
  • Bundled browser extension
  • Searchable service terms
  • Pocket-sized privacy tool
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

“I have read and agree to the Terms” is the biggest lie on the web. We aim to fix that. With the official Application made by Terms of Service; Didn't Read, you can take back your basic privacy rights, with the convenience of it always being in your pocket! The app comes bundled with a state-of-the-art Browser Extension so you can see just how privacy friendly every website is you visit. Features include instant ratings when you visit websites thanks to the bundled Safari Extension, a beautifully crafted App allowing you to search services and so much more for you to discover!

About

Startpage

Browse the web and search privately with a built-in search engine that protects your data. It clears your history and tabs with one tap, masks your location and IP address, and provides unprofiled search results. Enjoy a secure and private online experience.

Highlights
  • Private search engine
  • Clear tabs and history
  • Anonymous website visits
  • Private tabs and maps
  • Unprofiled search results
  • Avoid targeted ads
Features
Read full description

Rocket into the future of online privacy with the Startpage Private Browser app. This free app is the easiest way to search with Startpage on your mobile device. With Startpage as your built-in, default search engine, you're assured that every search is protected. Trusted by millions worldwide, Startpage ensures your privacy by deleting all personal data and IP addresses with each search, every single time. KEY FEATURES: - Default Private Search: Startpage's private search engine provides users with detailed knowledge panels, instant answers, localized maps, and comprehensive image, video, and news search results—all without tracking or storing any search history. - Clear All Tabs & Browsing History: Prevent privacy risks and cover your tracks with Zap by closing all open tabs and clearing browsing history with one button. - Private Browsing: Startpage's Anonymous View feature lets you visit websites anonymously from your search results. Confidently browse in total privacy. Your location, IP address, DNS masked. - Private Tabs: Securely open and manage multiple private tabs. - Private Maps: Explore local results without revealing your actual location. - Unprofiled Search Results: Experience search without biases. Startpage delivers unprofiled results, ensuring a fair and impartial exploration of the web. - Avoid Targeted Ads: Startpage prevents targeted search ads and invasive 3rd-party retargeting ads. - Strict European Privacy Standards: Trust in privacy that adheres to the highest European standards. Startpage prioritizes your data protection in line with rigorous GDPR privacy regulations. Take control of your online privacy today! Startpage has been trusted since 2006 by millions of users worldwide to protect privacy and provide best-in-class search results. Download the Startpage private browsing app for free and redefine your private search and browsing experience.

Screenshots

ToS;DR4 screens
Startpage4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Startpage at none against ToS;DR's 3. Startpage also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 11 months) and ratings volume (7.5K vs 4). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ToS;DR sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Startpage asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Startpage holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Startpage has 7.5K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of ToS;DR's written reviews are positive against 70% of Startpage's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ToS;DR ships an update every 11 months, Startpage monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
ToS;DR versus Startpage: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterToS;DRStartpage
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (4 ratings)4.8 (7.5K ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews70.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings47.5K — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB240 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperErik HeringStartpage BV

Customer experience

ToS;DR

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%

Startpage

All ratings7,390 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral1.9%
Negative1.4%
Written reviews338 reviews
Positive70.4%
Neutral11.5%
Negative18.0%

Bugs and requests

ToS;DR

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Startpage

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Pages not loading properly
  • Inconsistent behavior when searching from iOS home screen
  • Anonymous view failing to load images/thumbnails

Requested features

5 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Ability to export bookmarks and reading lists
  • One-tap history/data clearing
  • Option to set default private browsing mode
  • StartMail app integration

In-app purchases

3 purchases

ToS;DR

One-time3
  • Water$0.99
  • Coffee$4.99
  • Pizza$9.99
None

Startpage

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ToS;DR free?
ToS;DR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Startpage free?
Startpage is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ToS;DR or Startpage?
Startpage is rated higher. ToS;DR averages 4.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Startpage averages 4.8 from 7.5K ratings.
Do ToS;DR or Startpage have ads?
Neither ToS;DR nor Startpage shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ToS;DR or Startpage?
ToS;DR ships an update every 11 months, and Startpage monthly. Most recently, ToS;DR was updated on November 3, 2026 and Startpage on November 7, 2026.

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